Change in temps should increase fishing haul

Thursday

Nov 15, 2012 at 12:41 AM

By John PattonCorrespondent

The cooler temperatures and added winds brought along by the arrival of November can aid anglers, according to Capt. Kyle Messier (www.floridafishingadventures.com).
“Redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, Bonita and giant black drum all will be top targets over the next few months,” Messier, of Crystal River/Homosassa, wrote in an email. “And with the added bonus of slightly weaker tides and copious amounts of bait still inundating the area, the opportunities to catch all of these species within the same day will occur more frequently during these next few months.”
He added that the usually weaker tides this time of year allow for better sight fishing of redfish, speckled trout and large sheepshead in shallow water. This is because stronger tides spread around the prey of those fish while the prey stays more stationary when the tides are weaker, meaning the fish don't have to travel as far to hunt for their food.
Messier recommends oyster bars, shallow clear grass flats with potholes and rocky mangrove-laden shorelines, areas that contain prey year-round, for ideal sight fishing.
“Fall is the time of year that all anglers and guides look forward to most,” Messier said.
WOMEN'S CLINIC: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be hosting a free women's fishing clinic on Nov. 17 at the Fort Island Trail Park (12073 W. Fort Island Trail) in Crystal River.
The clinic is scheduled to go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will include lessons in knot tying, cast netting, rod and reel rigging, boating safety, how to become a responsible marine resource steward, marine fish and habitat identification, catch-and-release techniques and more, according to www.myfwc.com.
If the weather conditions are good, participants will be allowed to test their newfound skills by fishing from the shore. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided, but women are encouraged to bring their own gear.
The event requires advance registration and will be capped at 20 participants. A valid saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) also will be needed. Those can be purchased at local tackle shops or by visiting www.myfwc.com/License.
For more information or to sign up for the event, contact Jennifer Saranzak at either 352-543-9219 (extension 216) or Jennifer.Saranzak@MyFWC.com.
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Do you have a fish story or other information to share? Contact John Patton at John.patton43@gmail.com.